Managing risk in play provision: A position statement

The Play Safety Forum, a grouping of national agencies
involved in play safety, has produced Managing Risk in Play
Provision to support the work of those involved in play
provision.

This statement about managing risk in play provision is written
for those involved in play provision of any kind, for example: play
areas, playgrounds, adventure playgrounds, play centres and holiday
playschemes. These include local authorities, voluntary
organisations, play equipment manufacturers and inspection
agencies.

Summary statement
'Children need and want to take risks when they play. Play
provision aims to respond to these needs and wishes by offering
children stimulating, challenging environments for exploring and
developing their abilities. In doing this, play provision aims to
manage the level of risk so that children are not exposed to
unacceptable risks of death or serious injury.'

The position statement was first published in 2002 by the former
Children's Play Council for the Play Safety Forum. It has been
redesign and reprinted by Play England in June 2008.